Article of apparel

ABSTRACT

A multi-purpose silicon fashion band has two removable clip portions one on each end of the band and central graphics located centrally between the two ends so that the user can cut the band on both ends to a desired size and re-attach the clip portions with the graphics remaining central. The clips are a friction fir to allow the connection to be broken if a pulling force is exceeded to avoid danger to the wearer. The graphics include letters punched through the rubber of the band for a astron visibility.

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119 of the filing date of Provisional Application Ser. No: 60/832,605 filed Jul. 24, 2006.

This invention relates to an article of apparel which provides a unique construction and appearance as a fashion item.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Silicon wristbands are widely used as a fashion item but these are of limited appeal as they are limited to wearing on the wrist and have poor graphics.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is one object of the invention to provide an improved article of apparel which has wide appeal.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided an article of apparel comprising:

an elastic silicon band;

graphics applied to the band for providing an attractive appearance with end portions of the band on each side of the graphics;

a clip for connecting the end portions of the band including a respective clip portion at each end portion of the band where the clip portions connect together to hold the end portions connected;

the clip portions each being releasable connected to the band such that a part of each end portion of the band can be cut away and the clip portion re-connected to adjust the position of the clip portions relative to the graphics on the band for maintaining symmetry between the location of the graphics and the location of the clip;

the clip being arranged to be released simply by pulling on the end portions to a force beyond a predetermined minimum.

Preferably the band has symbols formed thereon by punched holes through the band.

Preferably the band has letters formed thereon by punched holes through the band.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided an article of apparel comprising:

an elastic silicon band wherein the band has letters formed thereon by punched holes through the band.

The device described herein is a multi-purpose silicon fashion band that is for example 45 cm long and can be worn in whatever styles the user chooses. This is accomplished by the means of two removable clip portions one on each end of the band. The user can remove the clip portions, cut the band on both ends to whatever size is desired, depending on where the band will be worn, then re-attach the clip portions and wear. Several options are possible, such as a neckband, wristbands, ankle bands, leg bands, arm bands, etc.

The clip portions are unique in the way that they close and open. When they are clicked together (closed) they are closed tightly enough as to not fall open, but at the same time they can break apart (open) if tugged on as to avoid injury if the band is being worn for example, around one's neck. They are also unique in that other clips have a mechanism where one must squeeze together two prongs to open, making such clips locking. These types of clips are often found on carry bags, such as a backpack. Both for esthetical and non-locking purposes, the clips do not have visible prongs that need to be squeezed in order to open the clips, and detach the band.

The silicon band is unique also as it has letters knocked through the rubber. All other silicon bands come only with letters engraved on the surface. The letters are highly visible and when worn tightly to the skin, it is possible for the sunlight to pass through the letters and leave a tan mark. Also on the silicon are high quality graphics that are silk-screened for a permanent glossy look, as opposed to a printed graphic that is dull and wears off. The bands can be worn everywhere, anytime including in water and the appearance will not change.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One embodiment of the invention will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the construction of a band according to the present invention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are isometric views showing the construction of one of the clip portions, which includes male insert portions.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are isometric views showing the construction of the other of the clip portions, which includes a female receptacle.

FIGS. 4A and 48 are isometric views showing the construction of a tongue portion, which co-operates with a respective one of the clip portions to hold the end of the band in fixed position to the clip portion,

In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In FIG. 1 is shown a band 10 of silicone, which has end portions 11 and 12 on either side of a set of graphics 13. The graphics includes letters 14 which are formed as punched holes through the band to allow light to pass through the band to the skin beneath and which provides the letters as permanent clean and clearly visible elements on the band. This is visible particularly where the letters such as “D” and “A” are formed with interior pieces omitted just showing the outside shape of the letter, for simplicity of punching and for attractive distinctive appearance. On each side of the letters is a color graphic 15 such as a flag or other colored symbol. This provides additional attractiveness and enhanced recognition. The two end portions are located symmetrically on each side of the graphics section and can be cut to a required length symmetrically by cutting a part from each end.

In the example shown the graphics include a country such as Deutschland and a symbol of the German flag in color on each side of the name. However of course other country symbols can be used and other graphics such as team names.

A clip for connecting the ends of the band to form a complete ring includes a male clip portion 20 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B and a female clip portion 30 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Each of these has a tongue 40 of FIGS. 4A and 4B which pivots on pins 41 at the sides of the clip portion and includes teeth 42 which are moved into pinching engagement with the band at the end which is inserted into the mouth of the clip portion.

The male clip portion has two prongs 24 and 25, which insert into a female sleeve 31 of the female clip portion. The outer surface of each prong has a raised rib 26, which snaps over a rib 32 on the inwardly facing surface of the wall of the sleeve so that there is a friction fit of the prongs in the sleeve. The clips are thus held together only by the friction between the ribs and the flexibility of the prongs so that simple pulling with act to release the clip when the friction is exceeded.

Since various modifications can be made in my invention as herein above described, and many apparently widely different embodiments of same made within the spirit and scope of the claims without department from such spirit and scope, it is intended that all matter contained in the accompanying specification shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense. 

1. An article of apparel comprising; an elastic silicon band; graphics applied to the band for providing an attractive appearance with end portions of the band on each side of the graphics; a clip for connecting the end portions of the band including a respective clip portion at each end portion of the band where the clip portions connect together to hold the end portions connected; the clip portions each being releasable connected to the band such that a part of each end portion of the band can be cut away and the clip portion re-connected to adjust the position of the clip portions relative to the graphics on the band for maintaining symmetry between the location of the graphics and the location of the clip; the clip being arranged to be released simply by pulling on the end portions to a force beyond a predetermined minimum.
 2. The article according to claim 1 wherein the band has symbols formed thereon by punched holes through the band.
 3. The article according to claim 1 wherein the band has letters formed thereon by punched holes through the band.
 4. An article of apparel comprising: an elastic silicon band wherein the band has letters formed thereon by punched holes through the band. 